World Cup 2026: England’s Declan Rice feels like he will get an assist at every corner
Declan Rice thinks he will get an assist “every time” he takes a corner and says England fans should be “excited” about what’s to come at the World Cup.
England looked threatening from set-pieces as they defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opening match of the tournament.
Harry Kane’s first goal from the penalty spot came after Noni Madueke was fouled following Rice’s cross – and the England captain headed home a second time from Rice’s corner.
The 27-year-old was part of the Arsenal team that took a record 19 corners last season and won its first Premier League title in 22 years.
However, the Gunners faced criticism for their pragmatic style of play and reliance on set-pieces (in total they scored 25 goals from set plays).
“Everybody’s having fun [set-pieces] Speaking to BBC Sport from England’s base in Kansas City, Rice said: “Everyone is enjoying them now.”
Rice became Arsenal’s designated set-piece returner in January 2024 following a mid-season training camp in Dubai, with Arsenal now known for their skills in such situations.
“I never take corners or set pieces but [set-piece coach] Nico [Jover] Rice said Arsenal’s manager saw something in me that others didn’t.
“They said I could put the ball into dead ball areas at Arsenal, which no one else could do except Bukayo. [Saka]. From that moment on, I truly believed in it and believed in it.
“As time goes on, I feel like every time I put the ball down for a set-piece, whether it’s a corner or a free kick, I’m going to get an assist or do something dangerous.
“It’s a good mentality to have set pieces… and England fans can be excited.”
The midfielder has become England’s vice-captain in this tournament and one of the Premier League’s most consistent corner players.
England coach Thomas Tuchel emphasized that he wants to play football that imitates the style played in the Premier League.
Rice said the Three Lions have been working on set-pieces since the German side took over in January 2025, but it was the tactical aspect of the game that dominated the training sessions.
“We have very little time here to work on those things because we have to work on so many other things,” Rice said.
“But we have also been defining this format and the way we take set pieces since Thomas arrived.
“There hasn’t been much change in most of the ways we’ve been going in terms of the movements and the way I throw the ball…
“That was going on last year in the build-up, so the kids know what’s going to happen… where I’m going to throw the ball.
“So there’s a real game plan and it’s up to me to execute that and of course the boys have to let loose in the box.”
